Richard J. Blevins, 70, passed away peacefully November 9, 2017 at his home in Maple Hill, KS surrounded by his family.

Richard was born in Toronto, KS on July 22, 1947 the son of Archie and Gertrude (Williams) Blevins. He was baptized at LaHarpe Christian Church in LaHarpe, Kansas. Richard graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1965.

Richard married his high school sweetheart, Linda C. Green on June 16, 1968 and was happily married for 49 years.

Mr. Blevins served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968 in Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Greenland.

Richard worked in retail as a store manager for S.H. Kress and TG&Y. He also worked as an insurance salesman, as management in manufacturing plants, and trucking safety and scheduling.

Richard found his ultimate passion in law enforcement. He started as a Deputy Sheriff in Allen County, KS. He worked as a Private Investigator for major insurance companies and also owned his own private investigation business. In 1985 he joined the State Fire Marshal’s Office as an Arson Investigator and Bomb Technician, retiring in 2005.

He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed doing acrylic painting on canvas, and was an animal lover.

Richard is survived by his wife Linda, Maple Hill, KS; his three children: Annette (Jennifer) Blevins, Topeka, KS, John (Misa) Blevins, Yokosuka, Japan and Curtis (Jamie) Blevins, Topeka, KS; two sisters: Patricia (Vonnon) Sisemore, Fayetteville, Arkansas and Connie (Jim) Crawford, West Fork, Arkansas; his uncle Curtis (Barbara) Williams, Norman, OK; four grandchildren: Emily Blevins, Topeka, KS and Mana, Aeido, and Eba Blevins, Yokosuka, Japan. He also leaves behind his loving dachshund, Daisy.

His parents, two brothers and a grandson preceded him in death.

Richard was cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11AM at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service on November 18, 2017. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Penwell Gabel Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Luke’s Foundation, 4225 Baltimore Ave. Kansas City, MO 64111 or www.saintlukesgiving.org for the memorial Heart Transplant Fund.